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Monday, June 30, 2014

No Minor Feat

If you haven't heard, the Braves High-A team in Lynchburg, Va. threw combined no-hitters against the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Royals affiliate) on back-to-back nights this past week. Atlanta's top prospect Lucas Sims, along with Alex Wilson, threw the first no-no on Thursday night, while recent Independent League signee Cody Scarpetta (along with Benino Pruneda) matched the feat on Friday night.

Speaking of Braves minor leaguers, I was somewhat disappointed in this year's team representatives in Topps Pro Debut. Four players made up Atlanta's roster and after seeing the checklist, I was very close to just abstaining from it this year. Ultimately, I decided to pick up a team set because of the inclusion of last year's top draft pick, Jason Hursh.

2014 Pro Debut #148 James Hoyt

I don't know how I missed it, but Hoyt is a local guy- so that might just give me an excuse to purchase an autographed card of his that's included in this year's set. He's currently at AAA Gwinnett, after pitching very well at AA Mississippi for most of this year.
2014 Stats: (AA) 2-2, 1.21 ERA, 29.2 IP, 6 Saves, 0.910 WHIP, 12.7 K/9
(AAA) 1-0 0.00 ERA, 4 IP, 1 Save, 1.50 WHIP, 15.8 K/9

2014 Pro Debut #25 Gus Schlosser

Schlosser was the 'Twenty-Sixth Man' on Saturday- referring to the special roster spot major league teams are allotted for doubleheaders. Entering the second game of the double header, Gus pitched one inning against the Phillies, allowing only a walk.

After making the opening day roster, Gus made 9 appearances out of the pen, allowing six runs over eleven innings, as well as taking a loss and recording a blown save.

2014 Pro Debut #127 Kyle Kubitza

Kubitza is having a pretty good offensive season at AA Mississippi, with a slash line that reads .304/.403/.462, though his defense leaves something to be desired. Third base is a weak area in the farm system, which explains the Braves recent extension with Chris Johnson. Perhaps Kyle will develop into the same type player for the Braves.

2014 Pro Debut #125 Jason Hursh

With the velocity that he possesses (92-96), one would expect Hursh to record a lot more strikeouts than he does (he's averaging 4.6 per 9 innings for AA Mississippi); he's a more pitch to contact type who induces a lot of groundballs with his heavy sinker. Jason also throws a curve and change up- both of which he will to become more consistent with if he is to become a starter at the major league level.